Is there anyone out there actively interested in the WA secession movement? Especially re their draft constitution?

Happy King's Birthday, everybody!

Sorry - I am now in the absurd position where X has blocked me from responding to my own comments so I must break off

From time to time, I confess to bewilderment ...

There is a lot of noise surrounding the potential US/Iran deal. Here’s what the rumors are so far: - Iran has agreed to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran currently has 400 kg of highly enriched uranium. Enough for 11 nuclear bombs. - The US would begin a phased unfreezing of Iran’s $6b to $30b in cash. - The Strait of Hormuz will open up. - Iran won’t charge a penny for ships to pass through. No $2m toll fee. - The US agrees to relieve some of the sanctions. - War ENDS on all fronts with Lebanon. - US forces near Iran to withdraw. - 30 to 60 days to finalize the nuclear deal. If true, that’s a massive victory for the President. Here are the winners and losers. Winners: 1. American people. Oil prices will likely fall. Shipping insurance costs drop. Inflation pressure eases. 2. The President 3. Global markets. 4. Stock market. 5. Gulf states. Temporary tension eliminated. I have them as both winners and losers. 6. IRGC gains legitimacy. They’re not Venezuela. Whether anyone likes it or not. Including myself. 7. China is a major winner. The Strait of Hormuz hurt them the most. They can spin this to their people that the deal got done after the President left China. 8. Russia relies on Iran being a bit more stable. 9. NATO nations were starting to worry. They were pansies shivering about having to help the US. (They’re also big losers in my eyes) Losers: 1. Iranian people. No one knows what the IRGC will do after this deal to their own people. Their media outlets will say they beat America. That message will 100% be pushed. The Iranian people will be under even more scrutiny by the IRGC. 2. Obama’s administration. This sounds like a much stronger deal than Obama’s administration made. 3. Netanyahu. He wanted regime change or collapse for his legacy, but Trump wasn’t on the same page at the end. 4. NATO was exposed. They showed they don’t have America’s back if shit were to hit the fan. Terrible moment for them. 5. Reza Pahlavi. Another year of not being able to help his people become free. This point will lead to more memes by the RP loyalists but it’s the truth. 6. Gulf states. The IRGC still controls a neighbor capable of firing rockets at surrounding Gulf nations. 7. Iranian proxies and non state actors. Hezbollah, Houthis, and Shia militias will not receive the same funding flow if sanctions are removed under limitations tied to the agreement. 8. Defense contractors and war hawks. They wanted this thing to continue so they could land massive contracts. I’m sure they’re not happy. 9. Oil producers benefiting from high prices. 10. Political extremists on both sides. Those who wanted to see the President lose (woke right) and those pushing for nuclear war. 11. Democrats. They desperately needed this to continue heading into the midterms. They will HATE this deal. Don’t worry, they’ll still find a way to blame Trump. But independents won’t fall for the BS. Democrats and the woke right will follow suit, but not reasonable independents who can see through the nonsense. I predicted this would be done before June 14th. Lots of people pushed back. Obviously, it’s not done yet, and anything can happen, especially when dealing with Iran, but if the President pulls this off, the news outlets, pundits, and influencers will move on to the next issue after they’re done crying nonstop. The greatest 60 days of positive distractions are around the corner. President Trump’s birthday: June 14th US 250 year anniversary: July 4th World Cup: June 11th to July 19th The world will move on, and the President can focus on driving results toward the midterms, Cuba, affordability and other issues. Love him or hate him, he continues to show how fluid his mind is and that he can change his approach depending on whether things do or don’t go his way. Future Looks Bright.

I said nothing about Ukraine being in NATO. I spoke about "defence of Europe".

The anti-vaxxers have won an important victory. Diphtheria is spreading and killing. Keep up the good work!

Small strangenesses abound. Mine for today. Prescription medicine has a childproof cap. Cast into it is a beautiful wordless picture that could not be clearer ... open it like this, kiddies.

My evening thought was prompted by this man - Graham Young @GrahamY. In the world of talking heads, journos, politicians, influencers and suchlike, have we reached the point where musos are the smartest of that lot? They get it so right so often. Most of the rest are abysmal ·

Here's the story, Rory. A majority of Australians don't want $8 fuel A majority don't want a rising trillion dollar debt BUT we must choose one UNLESS we scrub AUKUS. How about that?

Woo! Woo! I know it is childish BUT I've never won with zero points before. I think I'll break open a beer!

Trump says "I always thought NATO was a paper tiger" Funny that - he also says "the US contributed more than half of NATO's strength" Does he think that answers why NATO is a paper tiger?

My bedtime thought is tonight a question. (Yes I know it is early - I'm crook today). For the few who are watching - is there any hope that a HSR station will link to a Metro West station? My weeks of research say NO But I'm hoping someone out there has better info than I have.